About CGS

CHURCH HISTORY
(it all started with a dream – a dream that God planted in the hearts of two ordinary individuals, Ramy Henares Jr. and Bro. Eddie Lim, under one moonlit night.. living for years in TS Cruz, they saw the need of the people, spiritually.. the need for a shepherd.. for a church… and so, they prayed for it…

One time, Bro. Eddie invited and introduced Ptr. Rey Guevarra. Later on, Ptr. Rey initiated the series of Bible studies at the Henares’ residence. Many people became very responsive and every week numbers were added because of the invitation of some friends and relatives who attended the said activity. Healing happened both physical and spiritual. As the group grew fast, everybody agreed (headed by Eddie Lim), to officially accept a lay leader. Thus, Rey Guevara became the pastor of the flock. Visibly, his life has been an example for he has shown his love and passion for the ministry. Until one day, a good Samaritan named Lita Boces offered her house to be able to accommodate more people. Thus, we had a more convenient place. Until later, Mrs. Boces decided to make their vacant lot the place for the regular worship service. The church was born 1986. Some volunteered members and carpenters built the place of worship. The walls were made of sawali while the roof, part of it, was made with a second hand “yero”, with no ceiling and the other part was a tent. The floor was not cemented, chairs were made of wood, benches.

A month later the regular worship service with one acoustic guitar began. That guitar was played by Ptr. Ramy Henares, still an associate pastor that time. The first song leader was Sis. Lucy Guevara, the wife of Ptr. Rey. The band was formed year 1987, headed by Jojit Domingo. Aladin Albino, Jovy Fernandez, Rampy Henares and Dennis Domingo were some of the song leaders who led the worship service.

Came 1989, Ptr. Rey met Ptr. Boyd Villamor, a pastor from Good Shepherd in Tondo, who has a heart to disciple pastors who lack trainings. The church gained a lot from him because aside from training pastors, he also aligned the church’s doctrines. Later on, Pastor Boyd and Ptr. Rey agreed to carry on the name, CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, which was adapted from the church led by Ptr. Boyd in Tondo. He also became CGS’ mentor and teacher. With him around, the church slowly had changes. He had also opened a Bible Seminary where pastors under his headship were trained and developed. He also implemented to have a Bible School in each locality where leaders and workers from every church will undergo trainings and workshops and be the place where they could confirm if they have a calling for pastorate. One of his trained pastors is Ptr. Ramy Henares, an associate pastor then who eventually became the head pastor of the church came 1991. Under his leadership, the teachings were continuously improved so as to adopt with the changing times. That was also the time when Pastor Ramy, shy as he is, fell in love with her wife, Ms. Adelia Boces. Later on, the two got married, also at CGS, sometime in (1995) under Ptr. Boyd Villamor. A lot of things happened, good and not so good. One of the most unforgettable happened in the house of a new believer. One evening, the woman set a schedule for a Bible Study. At that same time her husband was drinking wine with his friends. She went to the place where her husband was and forced him to attend the study. The man got mad with her and went home. The Bible study has just started then and everybody were concentrated when he entered the room. He blocked the doorway holding his bolo and told everyone to go out from his house. Scared, everyone in the room run out of the house as the man chased them! However, although the woman did not continue attending the Bible study, still, it made the members stood firm in their faith. In spite of everything, God continues to bless the church in many wonderful ways. As years passed by, the Church of the Good Shepherd has evolved from being an ordinary one to a grown-up family as members became more mature spiritually and in their roles as well. The building and its structure had also improved. Year 2000 was a breakthrough for all. The church, the building itself, became presentable when the ceiling was constructed. The floor had tiles and the wall was cemented and painted. God continues to pour out His blessings. From one acoustic guitar, CGS now has a complete set of musical instruments. During this time, the Youth Ministry had flourished while the Music Ministry had underwent a major change as a new batch of musicians emerged. This batch was temporarily handled by Ptr. Ramy. Later on, the leadership was given to Ariel Awa.

But not everything is happy. As Solomon says, “there is a time for everything.” And so came the time to weep. Year 2003, Ptr. Boyd died of cardiac arrest. CGS greatly felt his lost as he is a great mentor, father and friend to many. In his absence, Ptr. Ramy continued to lead the church with God’s guidance. Years passed by, the church became stronger and more firm because of the several programs that the church had. Year 2006, the church embraced the 40 Days of Purpose program (from Rick Warren’s Purpose-driven Life). This is a 40-day program wherein the members commit to read one chapter everyday of the Purpose-Driven Life Book. This made the church grew in numbers as members discovered living a life with a purpose. The momentum then was so high thus, in that same year, the 40 Days of Community was launched. The program was about caring for the community. The effect was indeed inspiring! For the first time, the TS Cruz community has witnessed God’s family, from adult to children, cleaning the different streets of the subdivision every Saturdays. The church also had a feeding program for more than a hundred children during that same day and had also opened the so-called Ministry Fair one Sunday, offering free services also for the community like hair cut, foot massage, manicure and pedicure, medical check-up, and a job fair. The members experienced inexpressible joy of being generous to people through the services they offered without expecting anything in return. Another program introduced was Celebrate Recovery. This program caters to people who want to recover from their hurts, hang-ups and bad habits. Intentionally, all workers and some members underwent the said program and they themselves testified the changes it has made in their lives. Presently, Celebrate Recovery is one of the ministries that CGS has and continues every Fridays. Later still, with the eagerness to fulfill the church’s Purpose Statement, the Life Development Process (LDP) was opened. This is where the members of the church undergo different stages with the goal of growing to maturity in service to God, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is also to distinguish the attendees from the committed members. Later, somebody donated an LCD and a laptop, making the list of songs more organized and singing becomes a real joy for the congregation because the lyrics are now visible thus, it is easier to follow. Furthermore, video clips, movies and other presentations are now enjoyed by the members. This year, a lot of memorable events happened – Couple’s Valentine Celebration, launch of Seekers’ Sensitive service, 2nd CR Summit, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Youth Camp, 2nd Workers’ Conference, CR Anniversary, Pastors’ Day, launch of Prison Ministry, etc… It was also this year that typhoon Ondoy came and struck millions of people. God used CGS members to extend help. For the first time, CGS went to GMA7 to do volunteer work and donated food, clothes, water and financial assistance for those people who are in need. Other members also donated to the Red Cross. This seemed to be a hopeless moment for the Filipinos but God used CGS to help others. Sad as it is, there is no more depressing than what happened on the first week of November, just right after the Pastors’ Day. Ptr. Ramy was diagnosed to have retinal detachment, an illness of the eye. It was a heartbreaking moment for all members, everyone was teary-eyed when Pastor Ramy announced his condition and told that he needed to undergo an eye operation. But God is faithful, He did not leave his children who serve Him faithfully. For awhile, Pastor Ramy was not able to preach but his condition did not become a burden but a blessing to everyone. It was during that time that CGS unite, everyone became responsible, did their parts in the ministry so it continued even in the absence of their pastor. As of now, by God’s grace, Ptr. Ramy is recovering from his operation.

At present, CGS has a variety of ministries where members can minister according to their gifts. These are the ff.: the MUSIC Ministry – this is headed by Erwina R, Awa; the USHERS, led by Evelyn Mejia, are in- charge of welcoming the visitors and members and ensuring the worship service is orderly. We also have the CHILDREN’s ministry headed by Adelia Henares, which aspire to bring more kids to Christ; then we also have the YOUTH ministry led by Roel S. Pasion, which caters to the young people; WOMEN’S Group by Nila Yaun, MEN’S Group by Ramil Belaño, and the SMALL GROUPS, which serve as the building block of the church, for from it came most of the members. We also have the INTERCESSORS who tirelessly pray for the whole church. Finally, we have the SUPPORT TEAM which includes the HELP, MAINTENANCE and CHURCH BEAUTIFICATION. The church also has the Daily Vacation Bible School for children least every two years and Youth Camp for the young people.

Now CGS family keeps on going to fulfill the church’s purpose: “To reach out the unbelievers so that they may receive salvation through Christ. Encourage them to commit their lives to God’s family. Develop them to Christ-like maturity. Teach them for their ministry in the church in order to exalt God’s mighty name and send them out for a mission.” As stated, the church will continue this mission through worship to be more intimate with Him, fellowship with one another, discipleship for leaders, ministries for the whole body and evangelism, for the unbelievers. Now, it is also the church’s vision to have a lot for the next generation. God placed those visions in the hearts of each member, and this vision will continue forever. As Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it”… and so the mission continues…